“What truck should I buy?” It’s a question consumers ask themselves every day, but what would associate online editor Stefan Ogbac drive? Keep reading for the answer, and see other editors’ picks here.
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: I am not the target market for a truck. I don’t need one for work nor do I go off-roading every single day so the capability of body-on-frame pickups will be wasted. I prefer a smaller vehicle, too, something which I can’t find in the pickup space. The Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t out yet, and it may be some time until Volkswagen brings the Tarok to North America—if ever. If I had to choose a pickup to fit my lifestyle, it would be the Honda Ridgeline, a rig with all the traits of a modern car-based crossover and the utility of a truck.
The Honda Ridgeline is the ideal truck for someone who only wants to have a bed to use for their big kid toys instead of work. I fall in that category because all I need a truck to do is carry martial arts gear or whatever I’ve impulsively bought at Ikea. The five-foot bed is more than enough for my needs, which definitely doesn’t include laborious jobs. Most of the time it’ll be commuting or going on the occasional road trip where its in-bed trunk comes in handy for storing food, gear, and other belongings away from prying eyes.
Since the Honda Ridgeline is a unibody pickup closely related to the Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey, it rides comfortably even over the poorly maintained roads of Los Angeles. The independent suspension setup also gives the Ridgeline car-like handling, which is helpful for making emergency maneuvers. Whatever off-road excursion I do will be limited to gravel roads, which is well within the Ridgeline’s capabilities. In terms of size, the Honda Ridgeline is on the smaller end of the spectrum, making it easy to maneuver through congested areas and tight spaces. Honda’s 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission provide plenty of power to move the Ridgeline with gusto even when it’s loaded up with your toys.
My tech obsession means I must have the Honda Sensing driver assistance suite, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen. That forces me up to the RTL-E trim, which is one of two that comes with Honda Sensing to help make my commute through the mean streets of Los Angeles less stressful. Tailgating? The in-bed audio system will turn the truck into a party mobile playing your favorite tunes. Don’t want anyone hearing your questionable music tastes? There’s an eight-speaker, 540-watt sound system just for that.
At $42,965, my ideal Honda Ridgeline isn’t cheap, but it’s still within my budget, and a good buy for someone who wants a truck’s utility for leisure instead of work. From its car-like driving experience to its versatility, the Honda Ridgeline gives you the pickup body without many of the sacrifices found on its body-on-frame rivals. Its dimensions, maneuverability, and car-based underpinnings make it a great choice for first time truck buyers looking for something more familiar. See how I’d build my Ridgeline here.
Other Trucks I’d Consider: Chevrolet Colorado, Ram 1500
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